It is difficult to add to this posting, as the suggestions are superb. I especially agree with the comments on avoiding giving your audio dealer full control over this 80K system. You must give your heart felt and undivided attention as to what this will do for your long term musical enjoyment. I also agree on Tom's (Tacs) suggestion about a turntable and some great used vinyl. And don't forget the suggestions about tubes! In the long term, tubes will make you forget about the ear strained spectacular provided by transistors and instead, you will find yourself lost in the emotion of the music. After all, when the new wears off all this gear, you need to be able to enjoy it every day. The only part of this posting that I do not agree with is the issue of speakers. Most of those listed, especially the Pipe Dreams, are not to my taste. However, I only heard them at CES, and not in my own system. Tacs posting (again) is correct about the Soundlab speakers, they can be run superbly on much less power that anyone thinks. I get almost live levels with a 25 watt SET Triode, and my listening room is 19 feet wide, 34 feet long and has a ceiling that vaults to 12 feet. Best luck on your quest for excellence!
Dream System. Spectral or Levinson.
I'm considering between two systems, but would love to hear your input. Debating on a Spectral/MIT/Avalon system w/Spectral Mono Block's, and all Spectral Digital. Or Mark Levinson/Revel Salon system, w/No 33's and Full Levinson Digital. Your thoughts or Suggestions.